A man who admitted to killing cats in Sliema has been sentenced to a two-year prison sentence and a 40-year ban from owning animals.

Okamura Satoshi appeared in court on Tuesday morning.

In August, Satoshi, admitted to harming and killing animals, and causing animals to suffer from unnecessary pain and suffering. He also admitted to slightly injuring two police officers during his arraignment.

In a previous sitting, a probation officer told the court Satoshi blamed the attacks on his violent upbringing. The man reportedly told his probation officers that he would react violently if cats scratched or bit him or did not give him attention.

The man claimed his violent outbursts were due to his upbringing and the "intense" verbal abuse he sustained from his father.

In July, a member of the Facebook group 'Malta Pet Adoption Group' reported that five stray cats had been found in Sliema, dead or injured, and mutilated.

CCTV footage obtained by Times of Malta shows a man violently slamming a cat to the ground in the early hours of the morning. Following his arraignment, the Japanese community in Malta raised over €12,000 for animal welfare organisations.

On Tuesday, Satoshi was sentenced to a two-year prison sentence and was slapped with a €15,000 fine. He was also handed a 40-year ban on owning any animals and provided a three-year treatment order.

Magistrate Nadine Sant Lia presided.

Police inspectors Jeffrey Scicluna Briffa and Elliot Magro prosecuted. Lawyers Marion Camilleri and Adreana Zammit are appearing for the accused.